UK Teacher Statistics 2026

England has approximately 480,000 qualified teachers working in state-funded schools. Despite this, teacher recruitment and retention is one of the most serious challenges facing the education system, with over 2,300 vacancies advertised at any one time.

Around 40% of teachers leave the profession within five years of qualifying. The main reasons cited include workload, pay relative to other graduate careers, behaviour management challenges and mental health pressures.

Subject shortages are most acute in physics, mathematics, computing and modern foreign languages. The government has struggled to meet teacher training recruitment targets in these subjects for consecutive years. Financial incentives of up to £40,000 have been introduced for trainees in shortage subjects.

How many teachers are there in England?

There are approximately 480,000 qualified teachers in state-funded schools in England. A further 60,000 work in independent schools.

Is there a teacher shortage in the UK?

Yes — teacher shortages are acute, particularly in secondary schools. Physics, mathematics, computing and modern foreign languages face the most severe shortages. There were over 2,300 advertised vacancies in England in 2024.

How much do teachers earn in the UK?

From September 2024, the starting salary is £30,000, rising to around £43,000 for experienced classroom teachers. The average teacher salary is approximately £47,000. Headteacher salaries range from around £57,000 to over £100,000.

Why are so many teachers leaving the profession?

The main reasons are: excessive workload; pay perceived as low relative to other graduate careers; pupil behaviour challenges; mental health and wellbeing concerns. A 2024 NEU survey found around 25% of teachers were considering leaving.

What subjects have the most teacher shortages?

Physics has the most severe shortage — the government missed its trainee physics teacher recruitment target by over 50% in 2023/24. Mathematics, computing, chemistry and modern foreign languages also face significant shortages.